2020 Presidential Campaign Blog

What They’re Saying About Cory Booker’s Second Democratic Debate Performance

What They’re Saying About Cory Booker’s Stellar Debate Performance

My Goodness.” “Leader.” “Holy S***.” “This is His Night.” “Sounded like a president.”

“Future President” Cory Booker Clear Winner in Debate #2

Newark, NJ — As the second Democratic debate concludes, people are noticing that by focusing on the real threats posed by Republicans and Donald Trump, Cory Booker showed Democrats why he is the best candidate to beat Trump and heal our country.

Here’s what people are saying about Cory Booker:
@GoogleTrends: How have #DemDebate candidate changed in search since it started?
Cory Booker +2,950%
Michael Bennet +2,800%
Kirsten Gillibrand +2,350%
Jay Inslee +1,950%
Bill de Blasio +1,950%

@jmpalmieri: Think it’s pretty clear @CoryBooker has best night. Made his own case - and did it well.

@MichaelSkolnik: Cory Booker won the debate tonight. Well done sir. #DemDebate

@jonfavs: Well, that was...something.

Booker had the best debate by far.

@ZerlinaMaxwell: Cory Booker won tonight and was the first to mention voter suppression!
Kamala was solid. Julián is still being underestimated. Biden was better but I’m not sure he’s read his own oppo book bc he still seems a little flat footed when people are bringing up predictable critiques

@cmclymer: Cory Booker looked and sounded like a president tonight. He really delivered.

@ElieNYC: Winners: @CoryBooker. Also @CoryBooker. Plus @CoryBooker had a good night.
@KamalaHarris for being treated like the front runner.
@SenGillibrand for Clorox.
@JulianCastro, for again being good but probably not enough to move the needle.

@Jehmu: Another true story: @CoryBooker's performance tonight could just make him the second black president.
#BlackWomenLead #DemDebate #DemocraticDebate

@EmTSuss: I guess if the question of this debate is who can stand on a debate stage and not get rattled, Booker has certainly proven he can do that #DemDebate

@asmamk: Booker is the first candidate of the night to explicitly refer to President Trump's recent comments about Baltimore. Trump, he says is using old racist language to divide Americans.

@LannyDavis: Consistent unifying voice so far tonight is @CoryBooker - reminding all we can debate without personal attacking.
@deray: Booker has finally found his stride tonight. #DemDebate2
@laurenduca: Holy shit, Cory Booker. I already want to watch that again. #DemDebate
@SarahKSilverman: Go Cory Go. This is his night #DemDebate2
@katiecouric: I think @CoryBooker is having a good night. You? #DemDebate
@brosandprose: Cory Booker is REALLY impressing me with the graceful but firm way he pushes back on Biden invoking Obama only when it’s convenient. #DemDebate
@MollyMcKew: A+ for @CoryBooker for pointing out the overlap in Trump campaign, Republican, and Russian data-targeting strategies for admitted voter suppression techniques in 2016.

@TheAdvocateMag: .@CoryBooker shouts out to African-American female voters—a group that overwhelmingly rejected @realDonaldTrump and is the backbone of the @DNC #DemDebate2
@KLemkau: @CoryBooker is having another night. He’s the most Presidential by far.
@PGSittenfeld: .@CoryBooker has had a very strong night. He’s been the magnetic candidate many people know him to be.
@jmpalmieri: .@CoryBooker is doing great making his case. Very strong.
@AishaMoodMills: And there it is! Thank you for bringing this up @CoryBooker! You're having a great night! #DemDebate
@ElieNYC: @CoryBooker SAYS THAT WE LOST MICHIGAN BECAUSE GOP/RUSSIAN VOTER SUPPRESSION AND NOW I AM GIVING HIM MONEY.#DemDebate2
@grantstern: Cory Booker gets the first foreign policy question and nails it:
1) Won't do foreign policy by tweet
2) Won't do artificial timelines
3) Won't rush & leave a power vacuum in Afghanistan
Tulsi Gabbard: I'll do it in a year. "End these regime-change wars." Umm, 9/11?
#DemDebate2
@Blklivesmatter: @CoryBooker: “We lost Michigan because everyone from Republicans to the Russians were targeting the suppression of African Americans voters.” Yes, #votersuppresion of our vote is real. #DemDebate #DemocraticDebate2020 #BlackLivesMatter #whatmattersin2020

What Iowans are Saying About Kamala Harris at the Second Democratic Debate

Iowans Weigh In: Kamala Harris Successfully Prosecutes the Case Against Trump in Debate

Tonight, Iowans across the state applauded Senator Kamala

Harris’ performance in the second Democratic debate, where she laid out her plans to deliver real, bold solutions for the challenges American families face and showed why she is the best candidate to prosecute the case against four more years of Donald Trump.

She discussed her “3AM Agenda” to find solutions for the issues that wake people up at night and take actions to make their lives better, including her Medicare for All plan that ensures health care is a right, not a privilege. She brought critical issues to the forefront of the conversation, discussing reproductive justice and her plans to hold corporations responsible for ensuring equal pay
for women.

Harris will return to Iowa on August 8 for her 5-day bus tour from Sioux City in Northwest Iowa to Davenport in Southeast Iowa, from the Missouri River to the Mississippi. She will make stops across three of Iowa’s congressional districts throughout Northwestern, Northeastern, Central, and Southeastern Iowa.

Here are some early reviews from caucusgoers across Iowa:

Alexandra Rucinski, Women's Health Activist
- “Kamala Harris' Medicare for All plan is the health care plan that Iowans want and she showed she can defend it from attacks on both sides.”

Kelli Emerson, Bettendorf, IA -
“I think her closing statement said it all. She is the one who can prosecute the case against Donald Trump and begin to repair the damage he has done. That’s why I’m all in.”

Rep. Phyllis Thede, Davenport, IA
- “Kamala is a fighter she will prevail no matter how tough it gets. She exhibited strength and tenacity. Her fierce fight and stage presence gives the American people a real sense of how President Harris will help all of us succeed.”

Vanessa
Phelan, Northwest Des Moines Democrats Chair -
“Thank you for talking about the pay gap in the #DemDebate, @KamalaHarris! It's a big issue for so many families. She brought women into the conversation
#ForThePeople. Go get more info:
kamalaharris.org/equalpay/”

Amber Gustufson, Small Business Owner and Gun Sense Advocate, Ankeny, IA -
“SO grateful that Kamala Harris brought choice and reproductive rights to the debate stage tonight! Without her, this issue that is so important to women and families would have been ignored for two full nights.”

Randa
Wall, Middle School Teacher, Panora, IA -
“I support Kamala Harris because she’s going to support and fight for teachers!”

Vernon Fitzpatrick, Cedar Falls -
“She really showed that she can hold her own up there.”

Jean
Hessberg, Iowa Democratic Party Women’s Caucus Chair -
“@KamalaHarris yes! Pay Equity plan is spot on in our year of the Lord #DemDebate #ForThePeople #IACaucus”

Rebecca
Taylor, West Des Moines, IA
- “Loving Kamala and all her fierceness and her vision #ForThePeople”

Prakash
Kopparapu, Chair of the Iowa Asian and Latino Coalition
- “Sen. Harris made the best case so far.”

Ron
Parker, Des Moines, IA -
“#KamalaHarris is solid. Onward! Upward! #WatchParty”

Jay Inslee for America Statement on the Second Democratic Presidential Debate

Jay Inslee for America Statement on the Second Democratic Presidential Debate

Detroit, MI – Tonight, following the second Democratic presidential debate, Inslee for America Communications Director Jamal Raad released the following statement:

“This was a huge night for the Inslee campaign. Climate change was on the debate stage tonight because of Jay Inslee. Gov. Inslee showed tonight he is ready to be the fighter America needs — taking on Joe Biden over his middle of the road climate plan, the fossil fuel industry over their deathly pollution, and Donald Trump over his blatant racism. Jay Inslee will replace the white nationalist in the White House with a leader who will confront the fossil fuel industry, defeat the climate crisis, and create millions of union jobs in an economy run on clean energy.”

Republican National Committee (RNC) Statement on Second Night of Democrat Debate

RNC Statement on Second Night of Democrat Debate

WASHINGTON – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel released the following statement in response to this evening’s Democrat primary debate:

"Proving that nothing is impossible, Democrats moved even further to the left tonight," said Chairwoman McDaniel. "Once again, the Democrat candidates boasted extreme, socialist policies and a government takeover of every aspect of our lives. As the Democrat field narrows, our country will continue to thrive under President Trump’s winning agenda of rising wages, new jobs, and a booming economy. Not a single Democrat candidate can compete with President Trump’s record, and the American people are ready to re-elect him in 2020 to keep up this great American comeback."

Republican Party of Iowa Statement on Night Two of the Democratic Debates in Detroit

RPI Statement on Night Two of the Democratic Debates in Detroit

DES MOINES -- Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann issued the following statement regarding the second 2020 Democratic debate in Detroit:

“Tonight showed us that 2020 Democrats will continue following Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Crazy Bernie’s socialist lead, touting radical proposals that would cripple our economy and bankrupt Iowa families. While President Trump continues to deliver for the American people, Democrats are obsessed with obstructing and reversing his pro-growth agenda.”

Donald Trump Campaign Statement On Second Night of 2nd Democrat Debate

Donald Trump Campaign Statement On Second Night of 2nd Democrat Debate

“No original thoughts for Democrats.

Plenty of socialist stupidity -- eliminating private insurance, decriminalizing border crossings, higher taxes, getting rid of fossil fuels.

Goodbye Pennsylvania. Goodbye auto industry. Goodbye Midwest.

Another win for President Trump.”
- Kayleigh McEnany, National Press Secretary

Cory Booker 2020 Campaign Manager Addisu Demissie Statement on Second Democratic Primary Debate

Cory Booker 2020 Campaign Manager Addisu Demissie Statement on Second Democratic Primary Debate

Newark, NJ — Cory 2020 Campaign Manager Addisu Demissie issued the following statement on Cory Booker’s performance in the second Democratic debate:

“I think Vice President Biden summed it up best: future president Cory Booker.”

Tomorrow night Cory 2020 will host a “Detroit Rise” event with Cory Booker, the first in a series of events that will take Cory to the places and communities Democrats need to energize and inspire in order to beat Donald Trump in 2020.

Michael Bennet Opening Statement at the Detroit Debate

Michael Bennet: Donald Trump Doesn’t Give a Damn About America’s Kids

DETROIT ⁠— Michael Bennet started tonight’s debate by making clear that he has the strength needed to defeat Donald Trump and the vision to improve the lives of all Americans — especially the next generation. Michael’s experience as the superintendent of the Denver Public Schools ⁠— a district with 95,000 kids, a majority of whom live in poverty, and a $1 billion budget larger than mostsmall towns — means he knows how critical it is to have a president who is focused on creating more opportunity for our kids and grandkids.

As Michael said in his opening statement:

“Last week, I saw one of those Trump signs that says: ‘America. Love it. Or Leave it.’ It was on the outside of a church.

“I love America – And I know we can make it better.

“Before coming to the Senate, I ran a large urban school district where most of the kids live in poverty. Those kids have exactly the same hopes that I had. Their parents have exactly the same hopes for them that my parents had for me and that Susan and I have for our three children. But for the last three years, we’ve been consumed by a president who, frankly, doesn’t give a damn about your kids or mine.

“Mr. President – Kids belong in classrooms, not cages. And they deserve someone better than a bully in the White House.

“Let’s end the three-ring circus in Washington and let’s make this election about reclaiming our future for our kids and our democracy.

“Empty promises can’t beat Donald Trump. I can.”

Julián Castro Delivers Opening Statement at Detroit Debate

Julián Castro Delivers Opening Statement at Detroit Debate
“We’re not going back where we came from. We’re going to go forward.”

SAN ANTONIO, TX (July 31, 2019) – Tonight, at the CNN Democratic debate in Detroit, Michigan, presidential candidate, former Obama Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Mayor of San Antonio, Texas, Julián Castro delivered his opening statement citing the importance of public service, the everyday struggles American families fight to overcome and his plan to move our country forward and make it better than ever before.

Secretary Castro’s opening statement can be found below:

Good evening.

You know, just a few days ago we were reminded and inspired by our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico, that public service is not fundamentally about any of us. It's about you and your family.

I want you to know that if I'm elected president that I will work hard every single day, so that you and your family can have good health care, when you need it; so that your children and grandchildren can get a good education; so that they can reach their dreams. And that you can have good job opportunities, whether you live here in a big city like Detroit, or a small town in our country. I know we have a wonderful special nation, but that too many people are struggling, and I know what that's like too. I grew up with a single mom in a poor neighborhood.

But like many of you, I don't want to make America, anything. again, I don't want us to go backward, we're not going back to the past. We're not going back where we came from. We're going to move forward. We're going to make America better than it's ever been in the years to come. Let's do that together.

Bernie Sanders Raises $1.1 Million and Receives Over 70,000 Contributions Since Yesterday's Debate

Bernie Sanders Wins Debate, Raises $1.1 Million and Receives Over 70,000 Contributions Since Yesterday

DETROIT – In addition to a commanding debate performance, Bernie Sanders’ campaign raised $1.1 million and received more than 70,000 contributions from small-dollar donors since yesterday, marking a strong and growing grassroots movement.

“Bernie Sanders commanded the debate, his vision and ideas dominated the stage, and he left absolutely no doubt that he is the best candidate ready to take this fight to Donald Trump and finally bring the change we need to America,” said Campaign Manager Faiz Shakir. “Bernie Sanders stood out as a champion of working people and marginalized communities.”

Much of yesterday’s debate centered on Sanders’ signature policy, Medicare for All. Bernie’s plan to provide all people with comprehensive health care won out over other candidates’ push to continue providing billions to the big pharma and for-profit health insurers.

Earlier this month, Sanders made the “No Health Insurance and Pharma Money” pledge and called on fellow presidential candidates to reject campaign donations from health insurance and pharmaceutical industry executives, lobbyists and PACs. To date, only one other contender has committed to the pledge while the rest of the field continues to accept donations from industry executives who drive the current dysfunctional, for-profit health care system.

Since launching the campaign, Bernie 2020 has received over 2 million individual contributions. He is the only Democratic candidate to have more individual contributions than Donald Trump. In the second quarter, the most frequent donations by occupation and employer came from teachers and Walmart workers. Of the 70,000 contributions since yesterday, the top employers were Starbucks, USPS, Amazon and WalMart, with Los Angeles Unified School District Teachers rounding out the top ten.